So my arrhythmia has been, for the large part, at an all time low. Gave up chocolate for lent, so Easter Sunday represented a return to eating it, which I did, not really to excess, but a good amount.

Can't drink alcohol, and never smoked, both exacerbate my arrhythmia. So, a little cured Ham, nitrates maybe, and chocolate and sugar, and my rhythm is a mess since I woke this morning. I lasted til noon, couldn't take it anymore. The more worrisome thing is they get worse on exertion, sometimes.

Went to the Emergency Room, I'm getting PVCs and PACs, about 3 to 1 respectively. Can't take my pulse over 15 seconds since there are too many ectopics. They did blood work, prolonged EKG monitoring, chest X-Ray, all came back negative. My cardiologist, who has an office at the hospital where he sees patients, and was seeing them at the time of my visit to the ER, was unavailable to talk to the ER doctor about my condition. I think I'll be shopping for a new cardiologist.

I'll follow up with my cardiologist, the ER doctor suggested a Holter. Anybody have such drastic change in rhythm from chocolate or other food? I still can't calm down, they're pounding away, just about the same pattern all day long. Ugh!

When I cheat with things like coffee/ msg etc that I know will cause increased pacs/pvcs, I just assume I will get more. I usually try meditation/ extra dose of magnesium/ or mild sedative as needed if md approves.

Yes!!!Chocolate can get PVC's going!Don't worry you will be fine!I'm 21 weeks pregnant and mine are constantly annoying me!Sometimes I'm OK, then sometimes they annoy the hell out of me.The more I focus on them the more i feel!I'm up to 3 per minute today! Bloody things! Lol. Take care

Thanks Miss Spice Bomb, I'm beginning to think the Vagus nerve is a player here as well. I can go fairly long without the arrhythmia, but the first mouthful of food, even while chewing it and my heart goes crazy. I downloaded a "Paced Breathing" App for Android, 10 to 15 minutes without a single one during the breathing exercise, not a single missbeat occurs. I stop and take a sip of Ginger Ale, and my rhythm gets disturbed. Thanks again for the response.

Hi Kitt, I appreciate the links on mindfulness, I'll be sure to check them out. The reassuring thing is they were just as bad in the ER, but the doctor said they're not dangerous, just unpleasant, even at the frequency they were occurring. Still haven't heard back from the Cardiologist, we've tried 3 times today thus far, promises he'll get back to us, then nothing. My wife worked for a cardiologist, she had explicit orders to get him, even if he was in with a patient, if the ER called, and so to the general practice where she worked, it was common for the doctors to be called out of an exam room due to an ER call. The ER doctor, an American woman of Indian or related area descent, with a name I can't say, she felt everything was fine, but wanted to consult with my cardiologist before releasing me. She finally gave up and just sent me home. I'm disappointed in my Cardiologist because he could have tried to squeeze me in, he was seeing patients, but I came away with good blood work, clean X-Ray, and apparently a long recording of events.

I've said this before, if someone never experienced an arrhythmia, other than a few missed beats here and there, be sure to see your doctor or the ER, but so to for those of us that live with them that sense a change.

One of my sons, early 30s, called my wife late one evening, I overheard the conversation. His rhythm was disrupted and he wanted to know what to do. I heard my wife mention my problems and I told her we can't assume because I have a benign arrhythmia so does he. I told him to go to the ER, his girlfriend called an ambulance, and it was discovered he was in Afib. He's been converted several times over the years, two prolonged pharmaceutical interventions in the hospital and one use of the paddles to apply a shock.

Thanks again for the Links, God knows I need Mindfulness. I saw your Easter greeting as well, didn't want to cloud it with a remark, but I appreciated it. Hope your and your husband are doing well.

When I first started working in ER I was the only ER nurse on duty on my 3-11PM shift; I was also the House Supervisor and had to leave the ER to provide coverage for breaks in the ICU, back up OB during deliveries and cover staffing for all of the acute care departments. My ER Dr. was located at the clinic behind us until the clinic closed and than He/She went home if they lived within the city limits............our city is 14,000 population with 2 major highways going through town.

If an ER patient presented to the ER, I would have to call the clinic and ask for the Dr. - bless the person on the other end of the line when they said "may I put you on hold?" I always responded with "This is the ER and no I cannot be put on hold, I need the Dr. now."

Eventually we staffed the ER 24/7 with a ER Physician and an ER Nurse. Now they have 3 nurses on each shift and a Physician in the ER.......not out roaming around doing anything else.

Our ER Dr. is still the one to respond to all codes in the building but things have changed for the better.

I so agree with you, making assumptions re your heart and health is dangerous. My hubby is scheduled to see his "Cardiologist" again the first of May and they will discuss the EPS. This is something my hubby needs to know all the pros and cons. I find it a shame when patients don't understand that every procedure does not always turn out successful.

A couple of weeks ago an acquaintance of ours was working in the barn when he developed chest pain and lightheadedness ~ so he laid down on the ground to rest. You got it, he was having a heart attack. His sister happened to call him and he answer his phone and told her what was going on - She told him to get right to the ER. His wife was right in the house and had not a clue what was going on......................

Your cardiologist appears to be to busy; is his patient load that heavy? It makes me feel good to know you are your own best advocate.